1 Answer

Canine influenza virus is one of the influenza A viruses. There are a number of influenza A viruses that infect a few different species, including people, birds (bird flu), pigs (swine flu) and horses (equine influenza). They tend to be very host specific and stick to their own host species but these influenza A viruses can at times infect other species.

They can also mutate and adapt to infect other species. In fact, it’s thought that one strain of canine influenza developed when an avian influenza virus crossed species to infect dogs. This particular strain originated from Asia so the virus was perhaps spread to dogs in live bird markets. Another strain of canine influenza is genetically very similar to the equine influenza virus so perhaps it evolved from the horse virus. So, to answer your question it is possible for the virus to be transmitted from dogs to other species or to change and infect other species but it isn’t common at all. | 02.24.16 @ 01:53

Disclaimer: The information contained on LovePets is for general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed professional advice. You should always speak to your veterinarian (or other qualified professional) as a priority when seeking advice about your pet. No professional-client relationship is created in receiving answers to questions on LovePets. LovePets is not the place for questions about emergency situations. You should contact the appropriate qualified professional immediately by telephone or in person. Please read our disclaimer page